Visakhapatnam IT Park unable to take off yet

Visakhapatnam: The IT Park in Visakhapatnam has failed to attract key information technology companies, though both the previous TD and current YSRC governments have declared that location of the park in port city is ideal.

Recently, YSRC Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy had claimed on his social media account that the Visakhapatnam IT Park, located near Rushikonda, will create five lakh jobs in the next five years.

But the ground reality is different. IBM, which had shown interest in the IT Park, left long ago. Wipro has not started its operations. Tech giant Infosys had earlier planned to begin its operations in October 2022. But that has not happened.

Both TD and YSRC governments had claimed that Visakhapatnam IT Park has better rail, road, air and port connectivity. Its location at Rushikonda is about nine km from Chennai-Howrah National Highway, 54 km to Visakhapatnam railway station, 32 km from Vizianagaram railway station and 51 km to Visakhapatnam bus complex.

The IT Park has a 33/11 KV electricity substation. Availability of groundwater in the area is good. The location has been talked about as the most deserving place for IT companies. However, it is not yet flourishing, as expected by citizens of the city.

When contacted by Deccan Chronicle, vice president of Rushikonda IT Park Association Naresh said: “In Visakhapatnam IT Park, IT companies are not getting subsidised electricity or internet. Neither TD nor YSRC governments have offered incentives for starting operations. There is no social or skilling infrastructure. Cost of living is high. I am not blaming a particular political party. Previous TD government has formulated a very good IT policy. Present YSRC regime also had a great policy. But these policies have not been implemented. Maybe, TD and YSRC are not serious in the IT sector.”